Kepner Funeral Home Selling Downtown Wheeling Buildings; Moving Chapline Street Operations to Elm Grove Campus
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WHEELING - Kepner Funeral Homes is preparing to make some changes to improve its business and services to the community.
That plan includes moving its 1308 Chapline St. operations to its existing Elm Grove campus and selling the Chapline Street buildings.
Jim Kepner, president of Kepner Funeral Homes, said the asking price for the Chapline Street facility, which includes two buildings connected by a catwalk, is $690,000. Kepner said the sale will allow the company to realign its services so it can continue to serve the community in a more efficient way.
"Looking forward with our strategic planning we feel that (the Chapline Street) facility does not fit into our long-range vision," Kepner said. "Our other four Wheeling locations provide our clients with more benefits and accessibility, and we want to enhance these moving forward. We are excited to see how this location can be used by others in the future."
Another reason for the changes is the type of funeral services people want today.
"Cremation is becoming a lot more popular and the need for a whole bunch of buildings isn't necessary. ... That's another reason for our realignment, " Kepner said.
Kepner said the facility includes two buildings and has 20 off-street parking spaces. The property is listed with Lee Paull of Paul Associates.
Paull noted the property would work well for a law firm, accounting firm or another professional service. He noted it could even be turned into downtown housing with the first floors used as professional space.
Kepner said by moving the business' downtown operation to the Elm Grove facility, there will be more space for people attending funerals, especially when it is time to line up vehicles for a procession. He added the staff would also be in one location for the first time.
The company is also planning to make new technology improvements to its existing locations in Woodsdale, Warwood, South Wheeling and Elm Grove.
"We understand what the expectations are for families that choose us to walk with them through a tough time in their lives. This move will make it easier on them and allow us to do what we do best - provide comfort and guidance," Kepner said.
The Kepner buildings are located near several other professional offices including law firms, accounting firms, real estate agencies, the recently renovated Fort Henry Building, the City-County Building and courthouse, the Federal Building, eateries and more.
"It's a very popular street. It's going to be attractive to some professionals," Paull said, adding the buildings are in great shape.
The brick buildings boast original woodwork, mantles and stained glass windows. Paull said the listing will become active by April 15.
Kepner Funeral Homes has been in business for 178 years.